Morning journal and courier., 1887-02-19
CAPITAL TEA.
How the WashingtOnfans Daily With
 theCuP That Cheers But Not EnebrI-


 Correspondence New York Herald.l
 The tea table and the afternoon tea have become fixed institutions in Washington society, and the heterogeneous mixture that claims that name now feels that it is quite English indeed. English people who are taken around to the great houses after moons and taste the teas offered are still convinced that Washington society holds many barbarians not civilized up to the point of black tea. No Englishman really &C., cepts Oolong as black tea, considering it too nearly akin to the deadly green tea to be tolerated, but Oolong is offered to after noon callers at many houses. Here and there are hostesses with so little regard for their friends stomachs and nerves as to offer them green tea. The Chinese minister and his predecessor when making presents of tea to ladies have always sent eunningly packed caddies Of Oolong, and these Celestials are in part responsible for the popularity of Oolong.
 The Chinese minister is probably the greatest tea drinker here, and he is obliged to swallow all the way from two to ten cups each afternoon when he makes calls. He takes it uncomplainingly, green, OoIong or black; hot, cold, lukewarm, fresh and stale.
 An Englishman who has lately done some hard tea drinking in Washington has re- duced his experience to a formulated state ment.
 He says that there are not more than six families on the official list who offer first quality black tea, such as he sips in English drawing rooms in the late afternoon hours Justice Blatehford and Justice Mat thews he pronounces the apparent connois- seurs of the inspiring leaf. In his comments he quotes Buckles grabbed remarks that no woman knew how to make tea prop erly until he had taught her, and thinks that only few of the high priestesses of the tea table here know of Buckles rules. He says that lukewarm tea and stale tea are gener- ally given him by some angel in white, and, being gallant man, he drinks it without murmur. He was amused at recep- ton the other day, where having told the tea tender that he did not want any sugar in his, she calmly dropped three Jumps into it.
 ''Mademoiselle, you have put sugar in that cup" he said, responsibility. ''Well; try it, anyhow" :" said the hospitable young woman. land if you cannot drink it I can fix you another cup.'' He took it, tasted it, made an awful face and handed it back, The young woman seemed really offended, insisted that he was too particular for man, and very grudgingly poured him fresh cup,
 Not all of the girls who so cooley proffer their services to hostesses on reception days should be trusted with the responsible duties of the tea table, he says. They are too intent on prolonged conversations with desirable young men and too conscious of themselves and their gowns to put all their hearts and souls into the business of the tea. Quiet men who are dragged out by their wives to afternoon teas and mus icals see great deal during their mo- ments of blank and stony repose. One such opened his mouth the other day and asked vhato all ha room in party dresses were supposed to be doing.
 ''They are assisting the hostesses," Said his wife, crushingly.
 ''Well, that young woman over there," said he, indicating the prettiest and most etheriai looking girl in Washington, lis assisting to clear off the table in the most remarkable way. While that man was singing his little piece I watched her eat four sandwiches, seven waters and sev- enteen salted almonds. Since then she has had cup of tea, glass of punch and seven more sandwiches, and I have no doubt but that if stayed here and watched she would be assisting in that way till the doors closed"
 A senator's wife swept on by the crowd to the edge of the table at an afternoon musi- cal, watched the scene with an amused smile, and said to..a friend: ''I have been standing here for about fifteen minutes
 
 standing idly about the table and feasting themselves, but no one of them has ap- preached single guest to offer anything, ask what they will have, or talk to them. I do not call them assistants. They are too hungry"
 A Congressman's wife tells of calling on lady of the highest official circle on quiet afternoon before the season, when the great lady was presiding at her own tea table. The visitor was greeted warmly and asked to a seat beside the hostess. The hostess poured out cup of tea, dropped in the sugar, added the cream and then coolly drank it herself, while talking ami ably to her visitor all the while. The amazed and indignant caller watched the opera tien through, and after few seconds rose to go.
 ooh, don't hurry" said the hostess; ''I have not given you cup of tea yet"
 stNo,'' said the visitor, "but have been suf- fciently entertained in watching you drink that cup alone.n
 Since then she has never crossed the great lady's doorsill, although every overture of friendship, save direct acknowledgment and apology, has been made.